Extenuating the thermal hazard of high-performance lithium-ion/lithium-sulfur batteries via two birds with one stone strategy

The contradiction between limited theoretical capacity of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and growing energy demand of devices, become increasingly acute. Meanwhile, with the unparalleled theoretical energy density, lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted the keen attentions. Nevertheless, its application has been plagued by the “shuttle effect” of polysulfides. In fact, lots of works have been performed to improve the performances of LIBs or LSBs solely. Of note, few works keep a watchful eye on the thermal safety of these new batteries. Considering these, the material of carbon aerogel microspheres confined with nano-sized Co_xS_y (Co_xS_y@CAMs) is designed to tackle the issues in electrochemical property and thermal safety of LIBs and LSBs. When utilized as LIBs anode, the cell delivers a low capacity decay rate of 0.003 % per cycle at 1 A g⁻¹. Also, the maximum temperature rise rate is reduced by 80.4 % while the activation energy for thermal runway (TR) is promoted by 168.4 %. When applied to LSBs, the battery shows a high initial capacity of 1112.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 1C. Compared with Celgard cell, the TR process is markedly delayed. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature rise rate is reduced by 55.1 % while the activation energy for TR is promoted by 112.4 %, implying the impaired thermal hazard. In short, this work can shed a light on the facile design of battery material, simultaneously strengthening the electrochemical performance and thermal safety of battery. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.